Singer-songwriter Jason Reeves to kick off Bandersnatch concert series
In a YouTube message to fans, singer-songwriters Jason Reeves and Tyrone Wells made a promise: On their upcoming fall tour, a duet called ‘Give Me One Reason’ would be in the set list.
The duo has been traveling the country since late August, making its next stop at Syracuse University at 8 p.m. tonight.University Union’s Bandersnatch Music Series sponsors the performance by Reeves and Wells in the Schine Underground. This is the first Bandersnatch show of the year.
Bandersnatch Music Series is a division of UU Concerts that targets students whose musical tastes are not catered to by the bigger concerts like Juice Jam and Block Party, said Kevin Manley, co-president of Bandersnatch.
‘Jason Reeves fits that bill of (an artist) that is up-and-coming, not so much mainstream, but he’s right on that cusp of stardom,’ Manley said.
Reeves, a singer-songwriter originally from Iowa City, Iowa, is better known for his writing than his own music. He co-wrote 10 tracks on Colbie Caillat’s album ‘Coco,’ including the hit ‘Bubbly.’
Reeves also wrote all of the tracks on his latest album ‘The Magnificent Adventures of Heartache (And Other Frightening Tales…).’
With a folk-pop flair to his lyrically driven acoustic songs, Reeves fits the model of a Bandersnatch headliner: an indie, up-and-coming artist, Manley said.
‘I think it’s great that UU is bringing an up-and-coming artist like Jason to campus,’ said Terri-Ann Malgieri, sophomore communication and rhetorical studies major. ‘Bandersnatch is always on top of finding unique and new artists, so I’m thankful they took the chance with him.’
Bandersnatch doesn’t limit itself to just the singer-songwriter genre. Past Bandersnatch acts include Shiny Toy Guns, Styles P and Matt Wertz, who all headlined shows last spring.
‘Generally speaking, the artists we bring are smaller, indie, up-and-coming,’ Manley said. ‘We’ve brought rock; we’ve brought singer-songwriters, DJs, all kinds.’
Opening for Reeves tonight is friend and fellow singer-songwriter Wells. Though his music has more of a rock vibe with a soulful voice, it’s still rooted in singer-songwriter staples: relatable lyrics and real musical talent.
Wells signed with Universal Records in 2006 and his music has been featured on ‘Rescue Me,’ ‘One Tree Hill’ and ‘Numb3rs.’Reeves and Wells often write songs together, and live shows give them a chance to showcase their new music.
‘I saw Jason Reeves over the summer in New York City at The Canal Room,’ said Jen Lynch, senior public relations major. ‘I’m really happy UU decided to bring him here. He’s a really great performer, and I’m expecting that the show will be hit.’
Tickets are available at the Schine Box Office, and are $5 with SU ID and $10 without.
Published on October 14, 2008 at 12:00 pm
